Perris Torture: DA Says Officials Need To 'Do A Better Job'

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA -- More than a week after 13 tortured victims were rescued from a Perris home, District Attorney Michael Hestrin on Monday said officials need to "do a better job" to protect children. Hestrin made his comments on "Megyn Kelly Today."

Riverside County's top prosecutor appeared on the show to speak about the 13 biological children of David Allen Turpin and Louis Ann Turpin, who were each charged with 12 counts of torture and false imprisonment. Their children, seven of whom are now adults, were rescued by deputies on Jan. 14 after one of the victims escaped from their home. Upon arriving to the house, deputies found malnourished children, some of whom were chained to furniture.

"The children are still in the hospital," Hestrin said. "The priority is their physical, mental and emotional well-being is taken care of by professionals."

After news of the Turpin family broke, it was revealed that the victims were apparently home-schooled by the parents. The information sparked criticism from the public about the lack of oversight of home-schooled children.

In response, Hestrin said "it seems that we obviously have to rethink this and do a better job, and make sure all children are safe no matter what kind of schooling they go to."

Hestrin said the investigation is still ongoing and they expect the children to testify as witnesses. David and Louise Turpin are expected to reappear in court on Feb. 23.

Also on "Megyn Kelly Today" was Louise Turpin's sister, Teresa Robinette of Knoxville, Tennessee, who told Kelly they had an abuse-filled childhood and that she hadn't seen her sister in years.

Robinette said she hoped to reunite with the children.

"I want them to know they have family that love them, that are not deranged," Robinette said. "I want them to meet their cousins."

At a news conference last week, officials said the county is currently seeking court authorization to provide oversight and care for the 13 siblings. Officials said the practice is to identify relatives who are able to provide care but no relatives had come forward.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to call 888-934-KIDS.

--Photo: Defendants Louise Anna Turpin, left, with attorney Jeff Moore, and David Allen Turpin, right, with attorney Allison Lowe, appear in court for their arraignment in Riverside, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018. (Los Angeles Times/Gina Ferazzi via AP, Pool)

Also See:

Perris 'House of Horror' Parents Plead Not Guilty

How You Can Help 13 Siblings Of Perris 'Prison House'